Poots announces new body to tackle greenhouse gases

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today announced he is to chair a new group to tackle greenhouse gas emissions.

The minister made his announcement as he issued a positive response to the Environment Committee’s recent 'Inquiry into Climate Change Report'.

The aim of the Inquiry was to understand the implications of climate change for Northern Ireland and to make recommendations on government policies to mitigate the impact of climate change, examine economic implications and identify suitable adaptation initiatives. The report contains 52 recommendations.

Minister Poots said: “I have taken great care and consulted across government in compiling my response to the recommendations made in the report. I am very pleased to say that over three-quarters of the recommendations have been either fully or partially accepted, with a third of these having been implemented already and the remainder being progressed.”

The Inquiry report noted that all government Departments have a role to play in addressing climate change and that there was a need for a more joined up response to delivering climate change objectives.

Responding the Minister added: “I have continually flagged up that climate change impacts across the whole Executive, and that actions to tackle greenhouse gas emissions are an issue not just for me but for all my Executive colleagues.

“I am sure the Committee will particularly welcome the news that, with the agreement of my Executive colleagues, I will establish and chair a Cross Departmental Working Group on greenhouse gas emissions. A key output from this Group will be a cross-departmental action plan setting out how we individually and collectively will progress towards meeting the Executive’s greenhouse gas emission targets. This will provide for a more cohesive and consistent approach to the issue.

“I have also indicated my willingness to meet with the Committee to discuss my response.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Environment Committee launched an inquiry into climate change in January 2009.
2. The Environment Committee’s Inquiry into Climate Change Report was published late last year and debated in the Assembly on 7 December 2009. The report together with the minutes of proceedings, minutes of evidence and written submissions relating to the report can be accessed from the Northern Ireland Assembly website:
3. The Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government for 2008-2011 “Building a Better Future” 2008-2011 has a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2025. The report can be accessed on their website  
4. The latest report on Northern Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions shows that emissions have reduced by 13% on 1990 levels. The latest figures were published by AEA Technology (AEAT) in September 2009. The Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland: 1990-2007 report is available from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory website.
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